After considerable debate it was agreed that the Gairezi and Pungwe would probably still be too big, and as we were down to 2 paddlers it was felt that safety would be compromised. So we packed up and set off to run something smaller - Mazowe.
I briefed Robin and Hugh on the lines, the hippos, and to take out 500m below the weir. They set off after trying to convince Nick to join them, but he was intent on bird photography. Apparently they ran everything, but agreed that there are several pinning opportunities on the big rapids, and a few more besides. Click here for a clip of Hugh running the second big rapid, which Robin is pictured on below.
Mr Piggy-ears made an appearance at the headwaters of the weir, and he was in a foul mood. Robin wasted no time getting onto dry land, but apparently Hugh didn't appreciate the urgency, until they spotted a "torpedo wave" heading towards him - at which time he performed feats of gymnastics, getting himself and his kayak out of harms way. It turns out there is a new addition to the family, which explains the high level of aggression.
Having waited a while by the river (experiencing what Ken and Mike normally go through) I returned to the vehicle and the braai Ken had set up. Not long after that the radio squawked to life, with Robin telling us they were 500 meters below the weir. Sadly, that takeout is useless, so I told them to walk back to the weir where we were, and set about readying a hot meal (with cold beers).
I've included time-stamps on the photos to augment my rather meagre account of the trip.
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